Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 17) — The mayor of Baliuag town in Bulacan announced Tuesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
Mayor Ferdie Estrella said on his Facebook page that he received confirmation from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine on his diagnosis.
Estrella said he has a runny nose and has been feeling weak since last week, prompting him to see a doctor. He added: “Sa ngayon, maayos po ang aking kalagayan. At umaasang sa mga susunod na araw ay makakalabas na sa pagamutan.” [Translation: As of now, I am in good condition. I am hoping that in the coming days, I may be able to leave the hospital.]
The Baliuag town mayor appealed for the cooperation of the public and asked that they remain home to help contain the viral disease.
The entire island group of Luzon has been placed under an “enhanced community quarantine” on Monday, after an earlier lockdown limited to Metro Manila was deemed insufficient in fighting the spread of COVID-19. The latest move translated to strict home quarantine, suspension of public transportation, regulated provision of food and essential health services, and an increased military and police presence on the ground.
The Department of Health reported 187 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country as of March 17, including 12 deaths. Around 80 percent of those infected experience only “mild illness” and eventually recover, according to the World Health Organization.
